scholarly journals A cross-sectional study assessing the alarming prevalence of burnout among physicians in a developing country facing a combination of a COVID-19 Pandemic and an economic collapse

Author(s):  
Dalal Youssef ◽  
Janet Youssef ◽  
Linda Abou-Abbas ◽  
Malak Kawtharani ◽  
Hamad Hassan

Abstract Background:Burnout among physicians is a serious concern that cultivates its seeds during their education and matures in their daily practicing life. Lebanese physicians were particularly at high risk of burnout since they confronted a mixture of overlapping crises. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of burnout among Lebanese physicians and to investigate its associated factors. It targeted also to explore the combined effects of the pandemic and the economic crisis on burnout.Methods:A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Lebanese physicians over December 2020 using a snowball sampling technique. Self-reported data were collected electronically through an anonymous questionnaire that included information on socio-demographic characteristics, work-related variables, and 4 scales: fear of COVID-19, threat perception, InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-Being, and the Copenhagen burnout inventory (CBI). CBI scale cut-off score of 50 was used to evaluate the prevalence of burnout. Multivariable linear regression analyses were carried out to identify the factors associated with burnout.Results:A total of 398 physicians participated in the study. The majority of them were male (52.8%), married (60.1%), and aged between 40 and 49 years (43.2%).Moderate and High level of burnout hits 90.7% of the Lebanese physicians where personal, work-related, and client-related burnout were detected among 80.4%, 75.63%, and 69.6% of them respectively. A strong association was found between the higher level of burnout and female gender, younger age, being single, having a dependent child, living with an elderly or having a family member with comorbidities, and insufficient sleeping hours. Physicians’ specialties, working in a public health facility, limited years of professional experience, lack of previous experience in pandemic, and extensive working hours were also associated with increased burnout. Furthermore, low income, working in the frontline, higher threat perception, and fear of COVID-19 were contributing to higher burnout. However, financial wellbeing, altruism, having good health, and previous history of COVID-19 were significantly associated to lower burnout. The combined effect of threat perception and financial hardship significantly increased the level of burnout.Conclusion:The huge burnout level detected among Lebanese physicians raises alarm about the seriousness of the current situation and urges the health authorities to take prompt action to enhance the physicians’ wellbeing.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalal Youssef ◽  
Janet Youssef ◽  
Linda Abou-Abass ◽  
Hussein Mouaiwa ◽  
Malak Kawtharani ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Burnout among physicians is a serious concern that cultivates its seeds during their education and matures in their daily practicing life. Lebanese physicians were particularly at high risk of burnout since they confronted a mixture of overlapping crises. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of burnout among Lebanese physicians, to investigate its associated factors and to explore the combined effects of the pandemic and the economic crisis on burnout. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Lebanese physicians over December 2020 using a snowball sampling technique. Self-reported data were collected electronically through an anonymous questionnaire that included information on socio-demographic characteristics, work-related variables, and 4 scales: fear of COVID-19, threat perception, InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-Being, and the Copenhagen burnout inventory (CBI). CBI scale cut-off score of 50 was used to evaluate the prevalence of burnout. Multivariable linear regression analyses were carried out to identify the factors associated with burnout. Results: A total of 398 physicians participated in the study. The majority of them were male (52.8%), married (60.1%), and aged between 40 and 49 years (43.2%). Burnout hits 90.7% of the Lebanese physicians where personal, work-related, and client-related burnout were detected among 80.4%, 75.63%, and 69.6% of them respectively. A strong association was found between the higher level of burnout and female gender, younger age, being single, having a dependent child, living with an elderly or having a family member with comorbidities, and insufficient sleeping hours. Physicians’ specialties, working in a public health facility, limited years of professional experience, lack of previous experience in pandemic and extensive working hours were also associated with increased burnout. Furthermore, low income, working in the frontline, higher threat perception, and fear of COVID-19 were contributing to higher burnout. However, financial wellbeing, altruism, having good health, and previous history of COVID-19 were significantly associated to lower burnout. The combined effect of threat perception and financial hardship significantly increased the level of burnout. Conclusion: The huge burnout level among Lebanese physicians raises alarm about the seriousness of the current situation and urges the health authorities to take prompt action to enhance the physicians’ wellbeing.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Kersting ◽  
Lena Zimmer ◽  
Anika Thielmann ◽  
Birgitta Weltermann

Abstract Background The prevalence of chronic stress among German general practitioners (GPs) was shown to be twice as high as in the general population. Because chronic stress negatively influences well-being and poor physician well-being is associated with poor patient outcomes, targeted strategies are needed. This analysis focuses on work-related factors associated with high chronic stress in GPs. Methods This cross-sectional study measured chronic stress among German GPs using the validated and standardized Trier Inventory for the Assessment of Chronic Stress (TICS-SSCS). Based on the TICS, GPs were categorized as either having low strain (≤ 25th percentile) or high strain (≥ 75th percentile) due to chronic stress. Questions on work-related challenges assessed the frequency and the subjectively perceived strain of single challenges. For exploratory analyses, these items were combined to dichotomous variables reflecting challenges that are common and that cause high strain. Variables significant in bivariate analyses were included in a multivariate logistic regression model analyzing their association with high chronic stress. Results Data of 109 GPs categorized as having low strain (n = 53) or high strain (n = 56) due to chronic stress were analyzed. Based on bivariate analyses, challenges regarding personnel matters, practice software, complexity of patients, difficult patients, care facilities, scheduling of appointments, keeping medical records up-to-date, fee structures, and expectations versus reality of care were included in the regression model. Keeping medical records up-to-date had the strongest association with high chronic stress (odds ratio 4.95, 95% confidence interval 1.29–19.06). A non-significant trend showed that medicolegal investigations were more common among GPs with high chronic stress. Conclusions This exploratory research shows that chronic stress is predominantly associated with administrative challenges. Treatment documentation, which represents a legal safeguard and is closely linked to existential concerns, has the strongest influence.


2020 ◽  
pp. 59-61
Author(s):  
Imtiaz Ahmed S ◽  
PK Govindrajan ◽  
Felix Felix

Background and Objective Hypertension is a Leading cause of Morbidity and Mortality in developing nations. This study aims to Find the Association between Work related risk factors and Hypertension among transport Bus Drivers Method This study was a Cross Sectional Study carried out in Bus Depot and Bus Stand, Chidambaram, in Cuddalore district of Tamilnadu. The approximate prevalence of HTN among Adults in Tamilnadu was 31.5% (5). The estimated sample size for the study was 205. The Study tool included were Risk factor questionnaire and Physical measurement of Height, Weight and Blood pressure. Results Study showed significant Association between work-related factors or variables with Hypertension. Factors like Duration of Service in Present Job, Bus route travelling, Number of Hours at work, Family history of Hypertension are significantly associated with rise in Blood Pressure Conclusion Strong Association between work related factors like Service duration, travelling bus route, Duration of work hours, Shift duties and Hypertension was noted. Study recommends need for Periodic screening and follow up for Early diagnosis and treatment compliance. Lifestyle modifications and Periodic shift in duty patterns is also needed for the benefit of Bus drivers


2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (06) ◽  
pp. 1113-1116
Author(s):  
Nasira Naseem ◽  
Ijaz-Ul-Haque Taseer ◽  
Sohail Safdar

Objective: To see the frequency of anemia in pregnant ladies and its possible outcomes. Study design: Descriptive cross sectional study. Setting: Fatima Jinnah Women Hospital, Multan. Duration of study: Six months. Material and method: This prospective cross sectional study was conducted at Gynae and Obst. OPD at Fatima Jinnah Women Hospital, Multan. Non probability convenient sampling technique was used. All the pregnant women between 20-35 years irrespective of gestational age or any concurrent illness having parity upto 5 were registered for the study after getting written consent for participation. The pregnant ladies were evaluated by asking history of blood loss, parity, multiple pregnancy, worm infestation, use of NSAIDS and blood transfusion. They were especially asked about dietary habits which were rated as good, average and poor. Their socio economic status was assessed and was placed into high, middle and low income groups. Blood samples were drawn for blood counts and hemoglobin estimation in all the women presenting at hospital. Reflotron photometer, Roche Diagnostic was used for the blood testing. A cut off value of< 11 g/dl irrespective of duration of pregnancy was used for anemia. Peripheral blood film was examined for RBC morphology. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was used to categorize into micorcytic (< 76fl), macrocytic (>98fl) and normocytic (78-98fl). Fetal well being was evaluated by serial abdominal ultrasounds. Results: Three hundred pregnant women attending Gyne and Obst. OPD, Fatima Jinnah Women Hospital, Multan, were registered according to the study protocol. The duration of the study was 6 months. Maternal age was between 25-35 years. 86 % women were multiparous, 79% women presented during 3rd trimester, 15% during the 2nd trimester and 6% during 1st trimester. Thirty eight percent women had hemoglobin 8-9.9 g/dl, 48% had from 7-7.9 g/dl and 10%were falling between 5-7 g/dl. Eighty eight percent had microcytic hypochromic anemia, 12% with dimorphic picture and 4% were having low MCV and MCH but normal MCHC and these were referred for hemoglobin electrophoresis. Fifty eight percent had monthly income 2-4 thousands rupees and only 10% were earning 4-10 thousands per month. Seventy eight percent had poor diet and 22% had an average and no women were fit into the criteria for good diet. History of breast feeding was positive in 92% of the women. History of use of iron supplement was also asked, 28% had used various preparations of iron and folate for a variable period from 1-4 months, 72% never used hematinic supplements. History of previous blood transfusion during pregnancy and labour was present in 16% of the women. Three percent had fetal growth retardation. Conclusions: Prevalence of anemia during 3rd trimester of pregnancy in is high our society. It can have significant effects on maternal and fetal out come. It is a preventable cause which can be treated easily. Poverty and lack of education are the most important causes of anemia during pregnancy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafiza Sadia Imtiaz ◽  
Muhammad Sharjeel ◽  
Irfan Qayyum Malik

Purpose:  To determine the frequency of myopia among children and to find out the role of smart phone usage and outdoor activities in myopia development and progression. Study Design:  Descriptive cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study:  Ophthalmology department DHQ-UTH Gujranwala, from January 2019 to June 2019. Methods:  After approval from the hospital ethical committee and informed consent from each participant, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample size of 250 patients. Patients of either gender between 4 – 14 years of age using smart phones for ≥ 2 hours daily and found to have refractive error were included in this study. Routine ophthalmic examination was carried out, data was recorded on proforma, and daily usage of smart phones and weekly outdoor activity in hours along with school grade, family history and previous history of using refractive glasses was also determined and documented. Data was analyzed using SPSS v.20 Results:  250 patients were included in this study, out of which 142 (56.8%) were male and 108 (43.2%) were female. Mean age was 10.1 ± 2.45 years. Mean outdoor activity was 0.95 ± 0.98 hours per week while mean daily smart phone usage was 2.89 ± 0.93 hours. Pearson correlation coefficient for daily smart phone usage and UCVA was +0.297 (0.3) which showed a positive moderate association between two variables while the value obtained for UCVA and weekly outdoor activity was – 0.51 that depicted a negative strong association. Conclusions:  In conclusion, myopia occurrence is higher among smart phone users showing a moderate positive correlation while outdoor activities reduce myopia prevalence and progression depicting strong negative correlation. Key Words:  Refractive Errors, Myopia, Visual acuity, Smartphone.


Author(s):  
Bianka Misiak ◽  
Regina Sierżantowicz ◽  
Elżbieta Krajewska-Kułak ◽  
Karolina Lewko ◽  
Joanna Chilińska ◽  
...  

Background: Nursing requires a commitment to work and care for the well-being of the patient, which is a great mental and physical burden for the nurse. As a result of exposure to adverse psychosocial work conditions and experiencing the resulting work-related stress, the problem of burnout is becoming more common. The aim of the study was to assess the psychosocial work conditions and their relationship to quality of life in the studied group of nurses. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 523 randomly selected professionally active registered nurses. The study was based on a diagnostic survey using standardized psychometric questionnaires: The Psychosocial Working Conditions Questionnaire and the quality of life WHOQOL-Bref. Results: Respondents with a better education assessed the level of demands at work to be higher (p = 0.000); however, they were also more satisfied in the well-being category (p = 0.020). Shift work was associated with a worse perception of psychosocial work conditions in almost all considered domains. The strongest correlations were between the scale of well-being and the assessment of quality of life in the somatic and psychological domains. Conclusion: Nurses doing shift work assessed working conditions as being worse in all domains. They felt the mental and physical burden the most. Psychosocial work conditions were assessed to be better by nurses working in management positions. The strongest correlations were between the scale of well-being and the assessment of quality of life in the somatic and psychological domains.


GeroPsych ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lia Oberhauser ◽  
Andreas B. Neubauer ◽  
Eva-Marie Kessler

Abstract. Conflict avoidance increases across the adult lifespan. This cross-sectional study looks at conflict avoidance as part of a mechanism to regulate belongingness needs ( Sheldon, 2011 ). We assumed that older adults perceive more threats to their belongingness when they contemplate their future, and that they preventively react with avoidance coping. We set up a model predicting conflict avoidance that included perceptions of future nonbelonging, termed anticipated loneliness, and other predictors including sociodemographics, indicators of subjective well-being and perceived social support (N = 331, aged 40–87). Anticipated loneliness predicted conflict avoidance above all other predictors and partially mediated the age-association of conflict avoidance. Results suggest that belongingness regulation accounts may deepen our understanding of conflict avoidance in the second half of life.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Reham AL Jasser ◽  
Mohammed AlSarhan ◽  
Dalal Alotaibi ◽  
Saleh Aloraini ◽  
Pradeep Koppolu ◽  
...  

AbstractRisk indicators of peri-implantitis is still contradictory and somehow unclear in present literature therefore efforts should be done for better understanding of the exact etiology of peri-implant disease progression. The present study aimed to assess risk indicators associated with peri-implantitis by observing the changes in several periodontal parameters after implant placement. This cross-sectional study included 213 female and 271 male patients aged 26–87 years, who received 484 titanium implants (Straumann, Switzerland) at King Saud University’s Dental College, Saudi Arabia. Patients were called for dental visits. During these visits; full clinical and radiographic assessment of implants were done. The periodontal pocket depth (PPD) was greater around implants placed at grafted sites than non-grafted sites and around bone-level implants than tissue-level implants. The plaque index (PI) was associated with poor oral hygiene. There was a strong association between graft (yes/no) and bleeding on probing (BOP). Patients with good oral hygiene showed high radiographic bone stability. Keratinized tissue width < 2 mm was associated with a higher PPD, higher PI, higher BOP, more edematous gingiva, and more exposed implant threads on radiography. In patients receiving implants, poor oral hygiene status and inadequate keratinized tissue level can be proposed as risk indicators for developing periimplantitis due to strong association found between them and developments of peri-implantitis.


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